Beyond Our Selves (Sequel to Beyond Our Earth)

Chapter 3: Stranded

~~~SARA'S POV~~~

I was shivering violently when Braden got back carrying palm leaves and sticks.

"How're you doing?" He asked.

Another shiver ran through my body from head to the tip of my spine, chattering my teeth on its way. Braden's comforting tone lacked a confident backing and left me feeling terrified.

"We're all alone out here." I said in a trembling voice, looking up at him through the slits in our crappy shelter.

"I know." He said gently, like I was a lost kid, "But we've got each other right?"

It was like he thought a positive attitude was all it would take to get us through this.  

"Braden this place has gone to shit." I stated, angrily.

His smirk vanished. "I know it needs some work."

"We're going to die out here - alone in the middle of nowhere." I said, stepping out into the rain.

"Would you relax? What's gotten into you? You were fine a minute ago."

"Do I look fine to you? Braden, I'm starving. I'm literally wasting away." I motioned to my exposed belly which was thinner than I'd ever seen it before, "There's no point pretending anymore. We're screwed. The sooner you can admit that to yourself the better. Can't believe I escaped a spaceship just to end up like this."

"You didn't. Neither did I. We'll get through this."

I shook my head. "You're an idiot." I stepped away from our hut, towards the side of our island that still had trees above water.

There was a long silence and I didn't dare look back.

"I'm trying as hard as I can." Braden finally said.

"Yeah? Well don't bother. We'll just suffer longer."

I started walking away. Although admittedly there wasn't far to go.

Unfortunately, Braden was right behind me.

"Would you let me breath?" I said harshly, turning around.

"I'm not going to let you go off and kill yourself."

I rolled my eyes.

"Well the way you're talking-"

"I'm not going to kill myself. Besides, I wouldn't even know how."

He sighed. "Did you have to add that last part?"

"It's not like I haven't thought about it."

His tone changed completely, "How long have you been thinking about it?!"

I shrugged, then started walking again.

"We were fine in the beginning." He said, coming up beside me.

"Well, not great."

"But the sex was great."

"Well... it was fine."

"I don't get it. What's changed?"

"You mean aside from our house washing away?"

"That can't be what this is about."

"It sure doesn't help things."

"Are you bored with me?"

"Why does everything have to be about you?"

"I'm the only other person on this Island, how could it not be about me?"

"You're the only other person on this island - that's the problem - we're alone. How does that not scare you?"